YKK Çerkezköy Factory, Türkiye

This report presents the findings of an independent investigation administered by the Fair Labor Association (FLA) in response to a third-party complaint filed by the Petrol-İş union in Türkiye. The complaint raised allegations of violations of workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining at the YKK Türkiye production facility in Çerkezköy. This facility is part of the YKK Group, a leading global supplier of fastening products to many prominent international brands in the textile, garment, and related industries.

FLA’s Third Party Complaint (TPC) mechanism typically covers only Tier 1 suppliers (defined as finished goods production facilities), but this facility falls outside that scope. However, after reviewing the complaint in consultation with FLA Member Companies sourcing from YKK Türkiye and engaging with both the Petrol-İş union and YKK Türkiye management, the FLA decided to accept the complaint and move ahead with an investigation. This decision followed a commitment from both parties to respect the outcome and recommendations of the resulting independent investigation conducted under FLA’s oversight.

The investigator interviewed representatives of YKK Türkiye management and the Petrol-İş union, as well as current and former workers at the facility. Additional relevant stakeholders who could provide insight into the allegations were also consulted. Following a thorough review of the information collected, the investigator issued a detailed analysis of the allegations, along with findings and a set of recommended corrective actions.

FLA fully supports the conclusions and recommendations outlined in the investigator’s report and is committed to monitoring and supporting their effective implementation. This page will be updated on the progress of the remediation.